This One Summer (2022)

The film "This One Summer" (2022) by director Éric Lartigau is a sunny coming-of-age comedy set on the French coast. The film delicately explores the transition from childhood innocence to awareness, as the adult world reveals itself in all its complexity. Lartigau masterfully combines humor with deep reflections on family secrets and the formation of personality. The cast includes Hugo Fernandez, Laurie Ferreira, Kévin Doubértrand, Adèle Wismes, Marina Foïs, Chiara Mastroianni, Ángela Molina, Gael García Bernal, Sandrine Vargas, and Juliette Gavelan.

Plot

Every summer, 10-year-old Dune spends her time on the French coast with her parents. Her days are filled with childhood joys: walks in the woods, beach games with her friend Mathilde, secretly watching horror films, and curious observations of teenagers' lives. But this summer is special for Dune. As she grows up, she begins to understand her parents, their problems, and their hidden secrets more deeply. This realization pushes her towards the adult world, full of nuances and rules.

Why You Should Watch

• A Touching Coming-of-Age Story: The film subtly conveys how a child perceives the adult world in a new light, making the story relatable and resonant.
• The Atmosphere of a French Summer: The film immerses you in carefree yet significant days on the coast, creating an ideal backdrop for emotional discoveries.
• Balance of Humor and Drama: "This One Summer" offers intelligent humor and sincere dramatic moments, avoiding superficiality.
• Strong Ensemble Cast: Young talents and experienced actors, including Marina Foïs and Gael García Bernal, create vivid and memorable characters.

Themes

The central theme is initiation, the transition from carefree childhood to awareness. The film explores how curiosity transforms into empathy and an understanding of human weaknesses. It's a story about the hidden sides of family life, where children see their parents as complex individuals. The summer period acts as a catalyst for personal change, a symbol of freedom and new discoveries.

Editorial Opinion

"This One Summer" is a perceptive exploration of the moment a child's world expands to encompass the complexities of adult life. Éric Lartigau's film offers a warm and sincere story about the initial stages of coming of age, leaving a pleasant aftertaste. It reminds us of our own first discoveries and the value of moments that shape us, making us re-evaluate the significance of every summer lived.